Local SHIIP program warns of Medicare scam

The Decorah program of the State of Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program is warning local people covered by Medicare to be aware of companies promoting a "free" genetic (or DNA) testing to screen for cancer.

Individuals are falsely told that Medicare covers this test. They are told the test will be covered completely by Medicare, and all that is needed to process it is their Medicare number.

Local SHIIP counselors says Medicare does NOT cover genetic testing as a screening and preventive benefit and in rare circumstances where it is medically necessary for treatment or diagnosis, a test must be ordered by the patient's own physician.

If you are contacted by phone, hang up! Do not answer any questions, give out any personal information, or your Medicare number.  Report the scam at (800)351-4664. Get the name, address and phone number of the company offering the testing and any materials you are given.  Local SHIIP counselors say Medicare will not call you!